ABORIGINES. 



25 



them had pleasing countenances which indi- 

 cated a capacity for much intellectual improve- 

 ment. Most of their ears were cut in large 

 holes, to which were suspended various orna- 

 ments^ but principally those of beads. Their 

 mothers were in the practice of some disgust- 

 ing habits towards them particularly that of 

 devouring the vermin which were engendered 

 from their dirty heads. They put into their 

 mouths all that they happen to find, and will 

 sometimes reserve a quantity, and present the 

 choice collection as a bonne bouche to their 

 husbands. 



After a short stay at the settlement, they left 

 us to roam through the forests, like animals, 

 without any fixed residence, in search of pro- 

 visions, till the rivers open in the following 

 spring, when they return to the Company's 

 Post, and trade with the skins and furs which 

 they have taken in hunting. 



December the 6th. My residence was now 

 removed to the farm belonging to the late 

 Earl of Selkirk, about three miles from Fort 

 Douglas, and six from the school. Though 

 more comfortable in my quarters, than at the 

 Fort, the distance put me to much inconve- 

 nience in my professional duties. We con- 

 tinued, however, to have divine service regu- 



